Explore the Outdoors with Your Group

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers guided trails, workshops, and service projects that are appropriate for all types of groups with an interest in exploring the outdoors, including Cub Scouts, Webelos, Brownies, Junior Girl Scouts, Campfire, Bluebirds, and YMCA Guides.

Your group is also welcome to pay regular admission and tour the Museum and Sanctuary on your own (admission is included with programs). Between the museum and live animal exhibits, miles of hiking trails, and picnic areas, there is something for every group!

Want a memento of your visit? Special Heard patches are available in the gift shop.

Scout Group Discount

If you have ten or more in your scout group, you can prepay for your visit and take advantage of our scout group discount of one free adult admission for every 10 paid general admissions or workshops. Make a reservation for your group.

Two-hour Badge Workshops

Interested in earning a badge or looking for a fun nature-based activity for your group? Our badge workshops might be just what you need. Each two hour workshop is specifically geared to meet the requirements for the listed organization’s badge, but they are open to any interested groups. Dates offered: September through May, as scheduled.

Fee: $15 per scout, $12 per adult. For every 10 paid scouts, get one (1) adult free. This price includes museum admission for the day. Each scout must have a responsible adult in attendance at the workshop; one adult may bring up to 10 scouts.

Guided Trails for Scouts

Experience the ecology, geology, flora and fauna of the Heard Sanctuary. Led by our trained guides, your group will spend 45-60 minutes hiking our unique landscape. See the schedule below for dates. Have a group of 10 or more? We may be able to arrange a private hike for your group; contact us for availability.

Boy Scout Merit Badge Workshops

Our Merit Badge workshops are led by Merit Badge Counselors and are typically offered once or twice a year. Many requirements are completed during each workshop, but some work may need to be done outside of the workshop in order to complete all requirements. See individual merit badge descriptions for more details.

Registration & Attendance Information

Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. Workshop fees are non-refundable. If the scout is unable to attend the merit badge workshop, we will do our best to reschedule for the next workshop. Refunds will only be issued in the event that we must cancel or reschedule a workshop.Click here to register for Environmental Science Merit Badge. Click here to register for Mammal Merit Badge.

Class 1 Medical Record and Code of Conduct Form are required (available below).

Please bring your own lunch, a water bottle with carrier, and wear a Class A or B uniform.

Service Projects

The Heard welcomes scouts and other groups to assist with special service projects. Picking up trash from our grounds and trails is always an available project option for groups of all sizes. Other projects such as trail and sanctuary maintenance, habitat restoration, and handiwork jobs may be available. If your group has an idea for a particular project, you may also submit it for consideration. All service projects must be pre-scheduled.